There are many reasons why North Florida is such an wonderful place to visit (or live). The climate is spectacular; great for boating, golfing, surfing, fishing and other forms of sports and recreation. In addition, the area is rich in arts and entertainment, fine-dining, shopping and history. North Florida also offers miles of beautiful beaches and waterways, cultural pursuits from jazz and Scottish festivals, to hot clubs and remarkable, ethnically diverse restaurants.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Influential visitors have been flocking to the Greater Daytona Beach area for centuries, and their contributions live on for all to enjoy!

Famous explorer Ponce de Leon, during his 1513 search for the Fountain of Youth discovered the now- popular DeLeon Springs, located just west of Daytona Beach. Dr. Andrew Turnbull homesteaded 101,000 acres of land as the New Smyrna colony (now called New Smryna Beach), just south of Daytona Beach. Matthias Day, a wealthy northern tycoon, was so completely enamored with the entire area that he became the founding father of Daytona (now called Daytona Beach) and built its very first hotel in 1874. And Henry DeLand, for whom the nearby city of DeLand was named, founded world-famous Stetson University in 1883.

Many more entrepreneurs endeavored to bring commerce and vision to the community. Famous philanthropist John D. Rockefeller discovered Ormond Beach's immaculate golf courses and made his winter home at The Casements. Baseball legend Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated spring training baseball game in 1946 at the now-called Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Civil rights leader and educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune overcame great obstacles to found now-called Bethune-Cookman University in 1904. And of course Bill France founded NASCAR in 1948 and built the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway, in 1959.

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Today, the Daytona Beach area entertains nearly 8 million influential visitors each year! These visitors, who influence friends and family with their vacation stories, come from around the world to relax and enjoy the area's many treasures, both old and new.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

If you visit North Florida, it's defiantly worth the short drive to experience this amazing hidden gem.

Jekyll island is haven of history, beauty and wonder. Here, guests are whisked back to eras gone by and uncover the heritage that makes the island undeniably unique.

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Pulitzer, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and other prestigious families found respite on the Island in its gilded era, developing the club that became their own private world for more than four decades.

Jekyll Island’s exquisite natural beauty has long drawn guests to its barrier shores. From the Native American and British settlers to the Jekyll Island Club millionaires and the thousands of guests who arrive today, the Island is a haven of history and wonder.

Jekyll Island is guaranteed to complete your vacation wish list; spectacular beauty and an abundance of options make Georgia’s jewel the getaway experience perfect for everyone. With ten miles of picturesque beaches, four award-winning golf courses, a 250 acre historic landmark district and an array of lodging choices, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens proudly opened its latest exhibit on Saturday, March 8th.

Go see tigers like you’ve never seen them before!

Take a walk through Asia and experience wreathed and wrinkled hornbills, Visayan Warty pigs, Babirusa pigs, and Asian-small clawed otters.

The centerpiece of this newest addition are three Malayan and two Sumatran tigers that are free to roam through the area via an innovative trail system.

Guests will have the ability to potentially see a tiger from almost anywhere in this one of a kind 2.5 acre exhibit.

Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences.

A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving.

Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants.

Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country.

Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort.

Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.

A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

With lots of bright and sunny days year-round, Fort Walton Beach on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast provides a heavy dose of fun, especially welcome when much of the country is experiencing the harshness of winter.

The beautiful region is best known for white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and festivals (more than 300 per year, including culinary, sporting, and holiday celebrations).

Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with sea turtles, sandpipers, dolphins and more, making the area their home. Snorkeling and diving near the 100 Fathom Curve, or tubing and canoeing in the Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Reservation, can also all be part of a day's activities.

For those looking for more adventure, opportunities for parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing abound.

The Okaloosa Regional Airport is serviced by five airlines, and the area is also just a short drive from Pensacola.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — Scallywags beware! The dread pirate Billy Bowlegs and his nefarious crew are sailing the Gulf’s emerald waters of the Panhandle looking for the perfect spot to celebrate another successful year at sea. In addition to the pirate ship landing and family festival, other swashbuckling events include a Pirate Pub Crawl, Fireworks and Torchlight Parade.When: June 4-8Where: Fort Walton BeachWeb:billybowlegsfestival.com

DIGITAL GRAFFITI — Digital Graffiti is an innovative and dynamic event that explores how art and architecture can intermix. During the three-night event, 27 digital artists from around the world will showcase original works on Alys Beach’s iconic white walls,When: June 4-6Where: Alys BeachWeb: digitalgraffiti.com

RENDEZVOUS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL transforming the typically serene town into a visually stunning and vibrant art space. — Let your creative juices flow during this 9-day fest geared toward budding filmmakers, up-and-coming musicians and gamers. It’s a movie lovers dream: seven films will have red carpet premieres; plus there will be screening 37 animated films, nine feature films, 25 international feature and short films and 10 documentaries.When: June 5-13Where: various venues, Amelia IslandWeb:rendezvousfestival.org

DRAKE’S RAID — In 1586, the English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his band of raiders invaded the city of St. Augustine and burned the city. The two-day 28th reenactment begins on Friday with news of the arrival of the British marauders and continues on Saturday with a battle between the British and Spanish in the historic district, ending at Plaza de la Constitucion.When: June 5-6Where: Fountain of Youth Park, St. AugustineWeb:hfm.club/events/annual/drakesraid

SUN, SAND AND SONGS — Kick off your shoes and get your groove on during these two beachfront music festivals. Perdido Key’s Third Annual Shindig on the Sand features at least 70 musical acts during three days. On the east coast, make your way to Jacksonville Beach for a taste of the Bold City at the Seawalk Music Festival which emphasizes all things local: music, food and culture.When: June 5-7 (Shindig on the Sand), June 20 (Seawalk Music Festival)Where: Flora-Bama in Perdido Key and Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, respectivelyWeb: florabama.com/events/shindig-on-the-sand, communityfirstseawalkmusicfest.com

22ND ANNUAL WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Indulge in all things blueberry: from cobblers and pies to ice cream and jellies to syrups and fudge. This year’s theme is “Come Clown Around.” The day includes the crowning the blueberry queen and king, water walkers, ponies, the blueberry parade, the blueberry bake-off and a blueberry pancake breakfast. Blueberry bushes will be for sale.When: June 6Where: Andrews Square, WellbornWeb: wellborncommunityassociation.com/BlueberryFestival

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS AND WORLD WAR II: AN AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE— Learn the role that The Yearling author played during World War II as recounted through her books and through the letters of her wartime correspondence with servicemen and women. Park Manager Valeri Rivers will lead the discussion that is part of a Victory Florida program for the 70-year anniversary of V-Day.When: June 6Where: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, HawthornWeb:floridastateparks.org/park/Marjorie-Kinnan-Rawlings

SEED SPITTIN’ SHINDIGS — Mark Twain said, “When one has tasted a watermelon he knows what angels eat.” True or not, get ready to indulge in the juicy fruit at one of these annual fests: the Watermelon Festival in Chiefland, the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival and the 59h Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival. All include parades, live music, running (5K or 10K) and, of course, a seed-spitting contest.When: June 6 (Watermelon Festival); June 19-20 (Jefferson County Watermelon Festival); June 26-27 (Panhandle Watermelon Festival)Where: Chiefland, Monticello and Chipley, respectivelyWeb:chieflandchamber.com/watermelon, monticellojeffersonfl.com/event/watermelon-festival, panhandlewatermelon.com

18TH ANNUAL FLORIDA AFRICAN DANCE FESTIVAL — Kick off your shoes and let the frenetic beat consume you during one of the dance or drum workshops at this annual event sponsored by the African Caribbean Dance Theatre. Workshops include traditional dance styles from the Congo, Senegal and Guinea taught by renowned instructors. Also includes children’s workshops and story hours, a wheelchair dance class and evening performance concerts.When: June 11-13Where: Tallahassee Community CollegeWeb:fadf.org

PLEIN AIR, PAPER & POTTERY — Experience St. Augustine’s breathtaking beachfront and salt marshes through the eyes of artist Matthew J. Cutter. Cutter’s new exhibit features a body of work created “en plein air,” or painted on location outdoors and onsite. Talk with him about artistic inspiration and painting techniques at the two-day opening of the exhibit.When: June 12-13Where: Cutter & Cutter Fine Art GalleriesWeb: cutterandcutter.com

LATIN SALSA FESTIVAL — Play a friendly game of dominoes or work on your hot salsa moves at this annual fete geared to the Puerto Rican and Caribbean lifestyle. DJs will spin merengue and reggae tunes, the Tallahassee Salsa Dancers will perform as will other well-known Latin-American acts. Also includes Caribbean food and a kids’ zone.When: June 13Where: Fort Walton Landing ParkWeb: boricuasausentes.org

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Spend the weekend in the heart of the Suwannee River Valley in beautiful Jasper, just south of the Florida/Georgia state line in Hamilton County. Explore three of the state’s meandering rivers — the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Alapaha — either on foot or by boat, then head to downtown Jasper for the town’s sixth annual festival featuring blackberry pancakes, cobblers, jams and jellies, as well as live music, family activities and craft vendors.When: June 13Where: downtown JasperWeb: facebook.com/pages/Wild-Blackberry-Festival

FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST — The men of country rule at this year’s two-day extravaganza. The king of all things honkytonk, Kenny Chesney, headlines that second annual event that brought thousands of cowboy-hat wearing fans to jam along the St. Johns River. The killer lineup also includes the Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, David Nail, Colt Ford, Danielle Bradberry and the Swon Brothers.When: June 13-14Where: Everbank Field, JacksonvilleWeb:floridacountrysuperfest.com

VETTES AT THE VILLAGE — Treat your dad to a pre-Father’s Day trip to admire the sleek lines and natty details of more than 100 late-model and custom Corvettes. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner and then enjoy lunch at Murray Bros. Caddy Shack.When: June 20Where: World Golf Village, St. AugustineWeb:nfca.net

DODGE BRAWL — Remember of the 5 Ds of dodgeball, at least according to movie Dodgeball’sPatches O’Houlihan — “Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge” — while competing in this 64-team, double-elimination tournament. Assemble the perfect six to 10-person team, coordinate your uniform (think matching old-school sweatbands and striped tube socks) and get ready to rock the court. The top three teams receive medals and a monetary award for the charity of their choice.When: June 27Where: Pensacola Bay CenterWeb:pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/dodgebrawl

AMERICA ON TAP: Sips and samples will be plentiful at America On Tap’s ode to craft beer. The three-hour event will feature more than 100 releases from some of the country’s best craft breweries paired with live music and food. Breweries set to tap new releases include favorites like Abita, Bell’s and Brooklyn Brewery. More obscure labels include Guns & Oil Brewing Co. (Texas), Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (New England) and Radiant Pig (New York).When: June 27Where: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, JacksonvilleWeb: americaontap.com

Sunday, March 8, 2015

The sounds of the ancient Celtic peoples of Scotland and Ireland are as alive today as ever at the St. Augustine Celtic Music Festival, March 13 - 15, 2015 at Francis Field on Castillo Drive. Find the Celt in you as you take in the sights, sounds and tastes of centuries of European history. Celtic clans from around the world show their ancestral pride, Highland games athletes demonstrate their mind-boggling strength, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through the streets of the Oldest City’s Historic District, and vendors offer up Celtic cuisine and hand-made crafts.

But the hands-down favorite of the St. Augustine Celtic festival is the music. Scottish and Irish bands playing both traditional tunes and modernized renditions of the ancient Celtic music appear live on stage throughout the two-day festival - arguably the best collaboration of Celtic artists assembled in the United States. We’re talking Scots-born Albannach and Searson just to name a few, attracting fans from throughout Florida and Georgia, Savannah to St. Augustine, Orlando and The Villages. Did you know that Celtic music had a profound impact on American bluegrass and country? Aye, so if you’re thinking about missing this one, yer an iggit.

Monday, March 2, 2015

If and when you find yourself in the beautiful Daytona area, be sure to visit theDunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins for a stroll through the extensive Botanical Gardens, home of stunning ancient trees, shrubs, exotic plants and flowers.